Patching during a snow storm

Kick off your shoes and sit right down....take a look at this weekends show.

The birds were crazy this weekend due to the snow. Fun to watch. Except when they crash the glass. Fortunately Lois made this little rescue basket with fabric scraps for the little crash victims to regain conciousness in.

WHEN ever this group comes to visit, the snow seems to follow. At least this year it came on Saturday instead of extending their stay by a day, like last year. Groups love anticipating getting "snowed in" where this group can actually say they were! Last year.

I don't think I ever recall hearing the ringing of the bell more often as this weekend. As you will see, there were many projects completed.

The doggies are very tiny - about 5 inches tall.

cow dish towel is udderly adorable!

Runners and totes

a jacket made from a sweatshirt

That is all for now, see you soon - patsy

February Piecemakers Guild Night

Every third Monday, our Piecemakers guild meets here at the Homestead Cabin Retreat. Usually meeting at 7pm. I would like to invite anyone in the vacinity to join us. ***Warning however***** WE are very loosly structured with no bylaws, no officers - just lots of fun! Each month, someone volunteers to do a demo on a technique or bag or certain project. Then we have show n tell ! Very small fee for the year.

Last months lesson was given by Chris who showed us how to join the Grandmother's Flower Garden blocks by hand. She used the template method. This is Marcella's project that she started after last months meeting.

So here is the show n tell from February's meeting.......

This is Swedish Huck Weaving done on Monk's cloth. I remember my Mother making huck towels years ago.

As I was waiting in line at a fast food place..... I had to chuckle.

They should place these signs at the doors of all quilt shops. And at the front entrance to Quilt Expo's.

Thrifty to Quilty

Well, I havn't stop thrift shopping. I just havn't gotten photos of the stuff I've been dragging in the house. Which by the way, I have been taking more stuff out of the house to Goodwill, St Vincents, and the Salvation Army than buying. I feel good about that. I donated over 36 sheets and blankets to the homeless shelters. The stuff I bought last minute to use when we first started the retreat. I also made two trips to the food pantry in one month - cleaned out MY food pantry. And I discovered a used book store in Reedsburg where I donated lots of quilting books from my household collection. Earned lots of 'in store credits' here.

Now, on to last week's show n tell and projects in the works...

closer look at the snowflake batik. Nice huh?

Yarn Cottage - Baraboo WI

Located at 800 Broadway in Baraboo, this yarn shop really has it ALL and MORE. Ms Vicky, the owner, is sooooooo helpful. The shop takes full advantage in every nook and crany - inside a little cottage-like home.

And Ms Vicky - well I feel I have met Rachel Rae ! What a great personality and the shop shows her vivaciousness !!!

Wool and I don't get along so I asked why? Well, apparently the underbelly of a sheep has this wiry hair and when mixed with the rest of the wool, creates that scratchy/itchy results for me. So she steered my towards the other yarns out there that are made by not using that part. I was delighted to know that I didn't have to give up all the luscious wools out there.

This is one great shop!! Vicki has a little dog that comes to work. I hear she is fond of purple yarn.

Folks can just come and knit on the couch by the fireplace if you want to.

If you need directions, call the store at 608-356-3852. The store hours are Monday-Friday 9-5, Thursday 9-8, and Saturday 9-4.

Of course I couldn't come away without my own goodies. I fell in love with a store sample so I am going to attempt my hand at crocheting and some Bamboo yarn. I have knit since I was 9 years old, just recently picking it up again.

So if you want to check out the website. She also has a blog and is on Ravelry.com The Baraboo Knitwits is their own group.

So if you are coming through Baraboo Hwy 12, on your way to the Homestead Cabin Retreat.......I would definitely make this a stop on your list. I know many of you quilters are knitters/crocheters too.

Tell her, Patsy sent you!

Sun beams and Surprise Visits

The kin folk admiring the new flooring.

Juice - at ease. He's glad to get 'his chair' back in my office.

Occasionally I get to get "IN" on setting up surprises for guests. This week was a grand one! Amy surprised Dayna by signing up the same weekend unaware by Dayna. There were some screams when she arrived! They hadn't seen each other for a year or so.

They had a weekend of catching up to do.

Some of these are from Show n Tell, some they were working on and finished while here. Take a look.

a year of block of the month project

This is a great Valentines quilt Dayna!!

A manly cheater quilt, but still pieced. Just add borders!

Tired and sore

This photo was taken at the retreat by a guest. It speaks volumes about
Wisconsin winter. Just a time of waiting it out. For the next season to begin.

My idea of exercise in winter has been coming in the form of extreme makeover - rearranging and cleaning. First it was the pantry at the retreat. I will get photos this weekend.

Then yesterday we installed this flooring in my office. I had been living with the concrete slab look for 9 years and thought it was time for an updated look.

I chose the "antique barnwood" look since the sidewalls are light pine in the office. It is peel and stick so no-brainer there. And you can cut it with a scissors - I'm a pro in that department. They were in 4 inch by 3 feet long 'planks' so it went together very quickly.

But now I have to deal with the continuous pulled muscle behind my right knee and thigh. I have been hobbling for over a week now. I even parked in a handicap stall one day, it hurt so bad. I NEVER do that. Today, fortunately Marty had a tooth pulled and I get to fill his pain medication!!! for him of course.

Hmmmm........ Is it heat or ice? I've tried both to no avail. I am shopping today for a sleeve for my fat leg and see if that will help??? Or maybe support hose? Any therapists out there?? suggestions???

Super Bowl Weekend

Here is most of the group - who were ok with me posting here....

This group mostly from Grayslake Illinois were some of the very first Retreat goers that come back at least once a year.

It was a Talented group that kept their noses to the grindstone - mostly.

Some were just hanging around....

Remember - when someone rings the bell, everyone comes running!! ....from where ever they might be.......

As it is the 'signal' that someone's completed a project.

Lots of wonderful bags and purses were shown off.

And wonderful artsy quilts and geometric quilts.......

Whew! Lots of talent, huh? Thanks ladies!